US-Israel War with Iran: What Happens Next?
The US and Israel’s military actions against Iran began on Saturday, with key officials from both countries holding press conferences and interviews only on Monday to address the escalating conflict. What are their perspectives on the war’s duration, objectives, and the timing of its commencement?
How Long Will the War Last?
Donald Trump stated on Monday that the conflict in Iran could potentially last between four and five weeks. Initially, the US anticipated four weeks to dismantle Iran’s military leadership, but “we are ahead of schedule,” Trump noted. He also indicated a readiness to fight for a longer duration if necessary.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio refrained from providing any predictions regarding the war’s length, stating, “We have objectives. We will do it for as long as it takes to achieve those objectives.”
Rubio added, “I won’t disclose the details of our tactical efforts, but the heavier blows that the American army has yet to deliver are coming.” Trump echoed this sentiment, stating, “We haven’t even begun to hit them seriously. The big wave hasn’t come yet. The big wave is coming soon.”
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegsetts assured that the war in Iran would not be “endless,” but, like Rubio, declined to offer any specific forecasts. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed this sentiment in an interview with “Fox News,” stating, “It won’t be an endless war.”
Will There Be a Ground Operation?
Currently, US and Israeli actions are limited to airstrikes. Though, the possibility of a future ground operation remains a key question. Pete Hegsetts emphasized that there is no such plan “at this time,” but added, “But we won’t get into discussing what we will or won’t do in the future.”
Trump told the “New York Post” that he could not promise a ground operation would not occur, but Rubio stated that the US believes military campaign objectives can be achieved without one.
What is the War’s Objective?
In his Saturday address, Trump identified the destruction of Iran’s nuclear program as the primary objective. “It’s a very simple message. They will never have a nuclear weapon,” he said.
Trump also called for regime change, urging the IRGC to lay down its arms and encouraging ordinary Iranians to “overthrow the government when we’re done.”
Trump administration officials have been more cautious when discussing regime change. The Islamic power in Iran remains in place, and the coming days will reveal its strength.
“We hope the Iranian people will be able to overthrow the government and create a new future for the country. We would be very happy about that,” Rubio said. However, he clarified that this is not the primary goal of the war. “The operation’s objective is to destroy their missile and naval capabilities,” the US Secretary of State stated.
Pete Hegsetts reiterated this view, stating that this is not a war for regime change.
By asserting clear objectives for the war in Iran, Washington aims to differentiate it from conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, which involved US troops for extended periods without clear goals.
“Donald Trump will absolutely not allow the US to get involved in a conflict for many years with no end in sight and no clear objectives,” US Vice President J.D. Vance said in an interview with “Fox News.”
Why Now?
Prior to the strikes against Iran, three rounds of talks mediated by Oman took place in Geneva. Trump did not mention these talks in his Saturday address.
Steve Witkoff, the US President’s special envoy and one of the main negotiators in Geneva, told “Fox News” that it became clear at the end of the second round that an agreement could not be reached.
Marco Rubio stated that Israel was planning an attack regardless and that Americans would have suffered significant losses if they hadn’t joined.
“First, it was perfectly clear that if Iran was attacked by someone – the US, Israel, or someone else – they would respond and that retaliation would be directed at US forces,” he said. “We knew Israel would act, we knew that would be followed by an attack on American forces, and we knew that if we didn’t deliver a preemptive strike, we would suffer greater losses.”
Netanyahu also dismissed the claim that Israel had drawn the US into the war as “absurd.” “Trump doesn’t need to be drawn in. He’s doing what he believes is right, and that’s right,” the Israeli Prime Minister said.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long is the US anticipating the war with Iran to last?
A: Donald Trump estimates the war could last between four and five weeks.
Q: Is a ground invasion of Iran planned?
A: Currently, no ground invasion is planned, but officials haven’t ruled it out.
Q: What is the primary objective of the US and Israel in this conflict?
A: The main objective is to destroy Iran’s nuclear program and its missile capabilities.
Q: Why did this conflict begin now?
A: Negotiations in Geneva failed to yield an agreement, and the US and Israel determined a preemptive strike was necessary to prevent retaliation against US forces.
Did you grasp? The US is prepared for a longer conflict if necessary, according to Donald Trump.
Pro Tip: Stay informed about the latest developments by following reputable news sources and official government statements.
Stay updated with the latest developments in this rapidly evolving situation. Explore more articles on international conflicts and geopolitical analysis on our website.
Worth a look